By Lynsi Musselman

Moran High School has set graduation and Baccalaureate together for Friday, May 29 at 7:00 p.m. 

Teacher and coach Matthew Hise will be the speaker.

MISD superintendent Danny Freeman said the location will be outside, south of the school gymnasium.

Moran Class of 2020 valedictorian November Meredith and salutatorian Harley Schafer will both give speeches.

Freeman said students will enter the graduation area from the main school building and will be spaced out both during the processional and while seated. 

By Donnie A. Lucas

Despite Albany and Shackelford County not registering an official case of COVID-19 thus far, a free mobile testing unit will be in Albany on Sunday at the Law Enforcement Center located on Hwy. 180 West.

Operated by Texas Department of Emergency Management in conjunction with the Texas Military Department Mobile Testing Squad, drive-through testing will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The measure was requested through the county judge’s office on behalf of local health authorities.

By Lynsi Musselman

To ensure an accurate and healthy count for Shackelford County residents, being able to navigate the United States Census Bureau website is essential.

According to the Census Bureau, the coronavirus has created a lower turnout than expected and affected the Census Bureau’s field offices. The traditional in-person methods are not currently options. 

By Donnie A. Lucas

With the end of the school year quickly approaching, school officials are asking parents and students to stay the course as the final week of assignments approaches.

Students at both the elementary and secondary campuses are due to turn in all work by Friday, May 15 so that grades can all be finalized by the last day of the semester on Wednesday, May 20.

By Lynsi Musselman

The coronavirus outbreak has forced local teachers, along with others across the nation, to adjust from classroom settings with students to virtual learning with no in-person interaction.

Parents and others who typically honor educators during Teacher Appreciation Week every May are also making adjustments. The way they are giving back to teachers looks a little different this year.

Lynsi Musselman

Albany High School students have recently been sent forms through Google Classroom so they can request courses for the 2020-2021 school year, according to counselor Jenny Scott.

In the absence of a special meeting this year, students will be able to enroll in dual credit and approved advanced placement courses through Google Classroom.

Scott said that College Board pre-approved advanced placement courses are being offered alongside dual credit courses.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Albany student newspaper, the Lions Roar, was selected for one of only six Gold Star awards announced by the Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC) over the weekend.

Normally, the staff would have attended the ILPC convention originally set for May 2-3 in Austin, but the event was cancelled in early March due to concerns over the coronavirus.

Members of the staff also earned 45 individual achievement awards in the 2A-3A division, along with two Tops in Texas recognitions.

By Lynsi Musselman

The way high school seniors make memories and are honored for their achievements in 2020 is uncharted territory for the students, parents, and administrators.

The academic and athletic honors previously awarded during banquets held in May with students actually in attendance will still be awarded but in a less formal manner.

The Albany Academic Booster Club is awarding students for the top ACT and SAT test scores. The following students have achieved the top scores and will receive money to assist in paying for future school expenses.

The Texas Historical Commission’s (THC) Fort Griffin State Historic Site re-opened for visitors on May 1, offering its regular business hours until further notice. 

The site’s grounds will be open daily and available to visitors for walking tours. The Fort Griffin Visitor Center will be limited to six persons at any one time, and the outdoor capacity is 25 people at a time. 

The campgrounds are closed, and on-site programming will remain suspended at this time. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

Shackelford County chief appraiser Clayton Snyder is again extending the deadline to submit property renditions to the end of the month, May 30, in light of the impact on local businesses by the coronavirus.

The renditions were originally due by April 15. 

“Business owners just have a lot to deal with right now,” said Snyder, “so I decided to once again move the deadline back.”

Normally, taxpayers must submit a written request for the extension, but Snyder is lifting that requirement for this year only.